5 Storylines to Watch: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans

The Jacksonville Jaguars open their second week of the season on the road against AFC South rival, the Houston Texans.

The Jacksonville Jaguars offense looked good against the Kansas City Chiefs last week. It was the defense that had issues on the field. The unit that ranked fifth overall last season surrendered seven scoring drives in seven tries.

That’s unacceptable for any football team, let alone one that is supposed to have one of the better defensive units in the NFL.

The Jaguars will look to rebound this week in Houston against the Texans.

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Last week was a punch in the gut for the black and teal, but week two can be a look into the future for the team. Here is what to watch as the Jaguars take the field in Houston.

Gardner Minshew Era Begins – Jaguars rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew was thrust in the fire last Sunday after starting quarterback Nick Foles left the game with a fractured left clavicle.

Foles will now be out until week 11, and Minshew will get an early shot at the NFL.

Last Sunday, Minshew went 22-25, for 275 yards and two touchdowns. Minshew flashed plenty of potential last week, and there is a real possibility that we could be seeing the future starting quarterback in town. Could Minshew, a late-round draft pick, prove to be a diamond in the rough?

Minshew’s first start on the road will be a test of the young quarterback’s skills and resiliency.

Wide Receivers Step Up – It is imperative for the Jaguars’ young receivers to step up and help Minshew in his debut start. DJ Chark exploded last week with 146 yards and a touchdown, and Dede Westbrook and Chris Conley also made it into the endzone.

Houston’s secondary will now be without former Jaguars defensive back Aaron Colvin, who was released, so Jaguars receivers could be in for a big performance.

Josh Allen vs. Laremy Tunsil – Starting defensive end Yannick Ngakoue will not be available for Jacksonville as he nurses an injury, so rookie Josh Allen will start, lining up against newly acquired left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Allen impressed during the preseason, and looked unblockable alongside Ngakoue in week one. Despite Tunsil, the Texans gave up six sacks to the New Orleans Saints.

If Allen and company can get to Watson early, it could be a long day for the Texans offense.

Jalen Ramsey vs. DeAndre Hopkins – One of the best and underrated grudge matches in the NFL, get your popcorn ready for another bout between Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Hopkins went for 117 yards and two touchdowns last week, but expect a significant drop in fantasy point with Ramsey following the talented wideout.

Take away Watson’s favorite target and half the field goes away.

Nothing to Lose – This isn’t the way the Jaguars wanted their season to start, but the NFL is a grueling league, and the team must now push forward with their backs against the wall.

Once again, Jacksonville comes in as an underdog, and what would be better than a surprise win on the road against a division rival.

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